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Crimson Countdown: No. 8 Dillon Gabriel

by:Josh McCuistion•08/25/23•

Josh_Scoop

Syndication: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel during a practice. Photo credit: Bryan Terry - The Oklahoman/USA TODAY Network.

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2023 Oklahoma football season. It’s the second season under head coach Brent Venables and expectations are high once again. The Sooners are looking to rebound from the uncharacteristic 6-7 season in 2022.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 8 Dillon Gabriel

2022 stats: 230-367 (62.7-percent), 3,168 yards, 25 touchdowns, six interceptions.

2023 outlook:

Oklahoma’s returning starter at quarterback came into 2022 with big hopes and, if possible, 2023 seems even higher. One of the notable things that has the Sooners excited is the emergence of real depth at the position. The belief is that with the quarterback room having a more game-ready backup, Gabriel can embrace all of the offense.

“Dillon will play free. There will be some things we do differently for sure,” offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby said.

Beyond all of that Gabriel will be more familiar with his group of receivers, notably guys like Drake Stoops, Jalil Farooq, and Gavin Freeman. Along with those returning players names like Nic Anderson, Jayden Gibson, Andrel Anthony, and Jaquaize Pettaway have people excited.

2023 quarterback outlook

Gabriel will lead the quarterbacks in 2023, returning as a four-year starter at UCF (2019-2021) and OU (2022). But the quarterback room is deeper this season with the addition of true freshman Jackson Arnold. A former five-star recruit, Arnold has high expectations, but he’ll have to wait his turn behind Gabriel. Redshirt junior Davis Beville and redshirt sophomore General Booty round out the room, both returning from last season. Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby has done a nice job rebuilding the Sooners’ quarterback room in first two seasons in Norman. 

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